Color Challenge

Case Study:

Making 2,000+ Color Options Easily Tangible

The Challenge

A product line offered:

• 12 Housing Color Finishes

• 12 Trim Color Finishes

• 14 Power Cord Colors

That’s 2,016 possible combinations — too many for a static catalog or basic spec sheet to communicate effectively. The goal was to create a simple, physical tool that enabled customers to explore options intuitively, confidently, and quickly.

The Insight

In the HVAC world, engineers use a spinning tool called a Ductulator to size ducts based on airflow, friction, and velocity. That kind of hands-on, analog logic sparked a fresh idea:

"What if lighting specifiers could ‘dial in’ their color combinations just as easily?"

The Solution

Sohana Arni designed a multi-layered spinning color wheel, inspired by the Ductulator. The tool was engineered to:

• Display accurate color combinations instantly

• Be lightweight, compact, and easy to distribute

• Function as a sales enabler, design reference, and conversation starter

The Result

The tool helped internal teams, sales reps, and specifiers:

• Quickly visualize color pairings

• Understand product flexibility

• Confidently allowed specifiers to specify custom configurations, at their convenience

It turned a complex matrix into a tactile, visual experience-no app, screen, or plug-in required.

Over 20,000 units were produced and eagerly distributed. It became a high-engagement leave-behind that boosted awareness and sales for the Shaper 1400 and 1800 series — and added a bit of unexpected fun to the sales process.

The concept, drawn from a neighboring industry, delivered an interactive marketing tool that resonated with clients — and even caught the attention of competitors (one was spotted in a rival office years later).